Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary
Counted among the most amazing biodiversity hotspots of the world, Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary is most admired for its spectacular landscapes, heart-warming greenery and treasures of wild animals. Also a popular Tiger Reserve, the sanctuary is spread over 285 sq. km. in the Sungam Hills (between Anamalai and Nelliampathy Hills) of Western Ghats. Thick forests of bamboo, teak, sandalwood, rosewood and neem lend mind-blowing magnificence to this tropical heaven. Parambikulam attracts huge number of tourists for being home to the majestic royal Bengal tigers. Other wild animals inside the sanctuary include leopard, gaur, sloth bear, wild boar sambar, lion-tailed macaque, bonnet macaque, Nilgiri marten and flying squirrel. Some very important reptiles, including king cobra, wolf snake, cane turtle, Western Ghats flying lizard, rock python, forest ground gecko and mugger crocodile, also find home at the sanctuary. More than 260 bird species, nearly 125 butterfly species and many types of fishes can also be spotted here. Added attractions of Parambikulam are Kannimara Teak Tree (world’s largest and oldest living teak specimen), Thuvaiar Waterfall, rivers, valleys, manmade reservoirs and many more. Tourists get to enjoy trekking, boat riding, bamboo rafting and many other exciting activities, apart from savouring the inimitable beauty of this amazing place.